kingdom interlinear translation

[scriptures]

I want to ask our JW members here. Is the KIT still being published by the WTS?

 

[timbo3]

As far I know, both the 1969 and 1985 editions are out of print. I was able to obtain the 1985 edition recently (I already had the 1969 edition for many years) through the literature coordinator who found it through a new networking arrangement.

 

[scriptures]

As far I know, both the 1969 and 1985 editions are out of print. I was able to obtain the 1985 edition recently (I already had the 1969 edition for many years) through the literature coordinator who found it through a new networking arrangement.

Too bad, newer JWs are less privilege now, it seems the WTS is going backward with that move. Instead of educating their members on the original languages, they are now on the wrong tract. I hope they change their mind.

JWs can do something about this. It is a very beautiful publication, better than the NWT. I hope someone can make an appeal for it. (I both have the 1969, 1985 KIT as well as the Diaglott, in a sense I am much better than most JWs because I am benefiting from a very scholarly publication.

 

[timbo3]

Too bad, newer JWs are less privilege now, it seems the WTS is going backward with that move. Instead of educating their members on the original languages, they are now on the wrong tract. I hope they change their mind.

JWs can do something about this. It is a very beautiful publication, better than the NWT. I hope someone can make an appeal for it. (I both have the 1969, 1985 KIT as well as the Diaglott, in a sense I am much better than most JWs because I am benefiting from a very scholarly publication.

The Kingdom Interlinear is indeed scholarly publication and a valuable asset to one's personal library. And many are using it on a regular basis to "prove to themselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."(Rom 12:2) With the addition of other interlinears, such as the Empatic Diaglott and the online Scripture4all, a person now has before them invaluable "tools" for help in understanding some key Greek and Hebrew words.

Jehovah's Witnesses are very privileged to be fed "meat in due season" by the "faithful and discreet slave."(Matt 24:45-47) Having the Watchtower Library is an indepth "tool" that can dispense Scriptural truths on any range of subjects, details that can be found no where else.

In addition, being a "scholar" does not guarantee that one will be doing God's will. Most of Jehovah's Witnesses are simple people, showing the godly love that Jesus said would identify a true Christian.(John 13:34,35) Proverbs 15:16 says that "better is a little in the fear of Jehovah than an abundant supply and confusion along with it." Hence, scholarly knowledge is not what Jehovah looks for, but rather those "whose heart is complete toward him."(2 Chron 16:9)

 

[steve4.truth]

Most "scholars" today waste mega-hours fighting over trivial matters--much like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus' day. They feel that because they know the original languages, they have some kind of special knowledge. If that were true, why do they disagree so much?! I took several years of Greek and I love doing word studies on different greek and Hebrew words using online resources. I've learned a lot. But even the original languages are often twisted to fit each person's preconceived bias. Maybe we all should start with obedience to the obvious truths--using God's name, treating all with love, preaching door to door as Jesus and the apostles did and living a life of obedience and self-sacrifice.
Consider this: Jesus knew and spoke Hebrew fluently. Yet when speaking, He quoted from the common translation that simple folks could relate to: the Greek Septuagint. This is a good example for us.

 

[The Gregorian]

I don't think it's out of print... I couldn't find my old one and just got a new copy maybe 3 months ago. I believe you can also order a Diaglott through us (I know I got one when I was a kid, but can't remember if it was actually "through" the hall or if someone at the hall just gave me their personal copy).

However, I've spent most of my time using these interlinears any witness (or non-witness) are welcome to:
Online Greek Interlinear Bible
Online Hebrew Interlinear Bible

(the advantage to these is that they're easy to navigate because they're digital and they give the greek word in roman characters so it's easier to look up the greek word in a greek/english dictionary in order to get a better understanding).

Beyond that, the Watchtower Library is actually fantastic for research purposes. I've recently grown a greater respect for how much work was put into that software... and I -really- hope that eventually it will be made available to pass out to the public. With this digital generation, it's only a matter of time.


Also, "knowing the original language" isn't "required" for bible understanding... and taking classes in the language doesn't make someone's faith more valid than someone else's... but it doesn't hurt.

I think the society's viewpoint on the value of researching the original languages has been misused recently by some people. It CAN be quite useful, but it's not necessary. If an individual feels the need to research it and has an opportunity, it certainly wouldn't hurt! But, when the society makes statements that it's "not necessary" it's to protect people from an attitude that some may have by spending some time in a class room, then looking down their noses at other people. This attitude may cause unnecessary division, which would be spiritually harmful.

... however, if you're interested in language and have a knack for it... it IS a great tool to understand the intricacies behind what Jesus was really saying.


... it's sort of like watching the movie "The passion of the Christ."

... it's not necessary. And, it's QUITE graphic, so it might actually offend quite a few people. But I found it interesting to be able to hear the pronunciation and inflection and whatnot. The visuals may or may not have been accurate (For example the idea that Jesus was killed on some "special" stake that was different than the others).... other illustrations were just unnecessary (the scourging was unnecessarily graphic)... but other aspects I thought were quite well done (For example when peter denied Christ three times. They played this scene out very realistically).

... like learning greek... Some may be spiritually uplifted by the movie... others may not. It's not for everyone, but it can be useful for some.

 

[timbo3]

The Watchtower Library is designed and made only for Jehovah's Witnesses. These are the ones that have the privilege of having this wealth of scriptural and encouraging information at their fingertips from the "faithful and discreet slave."(Matt 24:45-47) It is not for public distribution, for many are as what Jesus said: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw your pearls before swine, that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open."(Matt 7:6)

 

[The Gregorian]

Do we not freely hand out ALL the publications on the disc? We might not if it's no longer in print... for example if someone requested a copy of a watchtower from the 50's... we simply might not be able to... but anything still available on the disc, we would have to have printed up (which costs money) and shipped (which costs money).

... CDs cost much less money to ship and SIGNIFICANTLY less than a single book to produce. I'd be REALLY surprised if it's not commonly passed out within 10 years.

... now, I COULD see it being a lite version containing only the bible and watchtower articles, leaving out the insight book or yearbook or KM or whatever publications that aren't designed for teaching... but there's really no down side to it.

... sure, it's so easy to search that some people will search it for anything they can possibly take out of context and spread rumors on the internet... but they do that anyway.

Not that I'm a "gun advocate" ... but the same argument applies to the WT library... making it "against the rules" to have something because you don't want people who "break the rules" to have it... doesn't do anything because people who are going to break the rules aren't going to be stopped by a rule. The only people you're keeping the WT library from are law-abiding citizens.

... If it's something we REALLY don't want to fall into the hands of crazies... we shouldn't produce anything we don't want made public. With the internet... EVERYTHING is public. There's no such thing as secrets... so there's no use trying to have them.

 

[timbo3]

This announcement was in the June 1998 Kingdom Ministry concerning the Watchtower Library:

"Please keep in mind that this is not a product for public distribution, to be put in school libraries, or given to ones who merely express interest in Jehovah’s Witnesses. Watchtower Library is a provision for members of the congregation and is made available only through the congregation."

 

[The Gregorian]

Indeed. And, I'll bet that was partially because the software was still rather new and CDs were expensive to produce. 1998 was back in the days of "AOL=the internet" and having an Email address was pretty cool!

The discs are still intended for current members only atm, so I'm not passing them out... but realistically, there's no reason not to, and I'll BET the viewpoint you quoted from 1998 doesn't last forever. Just saying.

At that point I don't think we even HAD a web site... and if we did certainly not much was on it. Look at the advancements we've made just in the last few years. Watchtowers are already available at jw.org, as is MP3 files for all our songs. jw-media.org has some great functionality... watchtower.org is still a bit "low-tech" but just over the last few months it's looked more and more professional.

Computers are a powerful tool and the society is beginning to use them.

 

[timbo3]

In the 2009 Watchtower Library, there has been no change in allowing anyone else besides those who are Jehovah's Witnesses to have access to it. In the March 2000 Kingdom Ministry, it reiterated what was said in the May 98 KM, saying that "Please keep in mind that this is not a product for public distribution, for school libraries, or for ones who merely express interest in Jehovah’s Witnesses....is a provision for members of the congregation and is made available only through the congregation."

 

[Der Alte]

This announcement was in the June 1998 Kingdom Ministry concerning the Watchtower Library:

"Please keep in mind that this is not a product for public distribution, to be put in school libraries, or given to ones who merely express interest in Jehovah’s Witnesses. Watchtower Library is a provision for members of the congregation and is made available only through the congregation."

But anyone who really wants one, can get it at little or no cost.

 

[The Gregorian]

Yes, we understand that that's the current guideline. But, let me ask you this:

If the society did decide that it could spiritually benefit the public (particularly the younger generation that finds it much easier to read things off the computer than from a physical magazine)... would you be opposed to their decision? Would you have some excuse for why such a decision would be inappropriate?

 

[timbo3]

The "Society", as directed by the "faithful and discreet slave", has no need to change their directive of the Watchtower Library. It was designed for only Jehovah's Witnesses, who have a deep appreciation for spiritual things, unlike Esau, who did ' not appreciate spiritual things."(Heb 12:16) Jehovah's Witnesses do not follow a "democratic" way of "doing things". Those who are loyal to Jehovah God, listen to the "faithful slave", that was assigned the privilege of dispensing spiritual "food at the proper time."(Matt 24:25)

Do we not have to guard ourselves to not be like the Israelites who murmured, not appreciating the way Jehovah was directing the nation of Israel through Moses in the wilderness !(Num 15 and 16) Are we not to closely follow wherever Jehovah's spirit directs us or are we inclined to set off in our own course ? Ezekiel was given a vision of a "chariot" at Ezekiel 1. Are we following this "chariot", which pictures Jehovah leading us through these "last days" by means of his "faithful slave", as given direction through its "governing body" ?

One who calls himself one of Jehovah's Witnesses needs to remember the account at 1 Kings 13, in which a prophet, after his prophesying against Jeroboam, was told to ' not go back the way he came nor eat bread nor drink water,' but was to return "by another way".(1 Kings 13:9) This was a specific command that Jehovah had given this "prophet". However, he did not follow it closely and, as a result, Jehovah caused his death by means of a lion. You may find this "extreme", but it does clearly point out the importance of listening to "every utterance coming through Jehovah's mouth".(Matt 4:4)

Of Noah, the Genesis account says that he "proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so."(Gen 6:22) Noah followed exactly what Jehovah had commanded him, without reservation. As a result, he was spoken of as "a righteous man."(Gen 6:9) How willing are to listen to "every utterance" from Jehovah, knowing that he is using the "faithful and discreet slave " to accomplish the global preaching and teaching work ? Are we participating in this "never-to-be-repeated" work ? Or do we make excuses ?

The Watchtower Library is designed to edify and build up a "people for his name" (Acts 15:14), ones that will stand loyally for Jehovah, not for those who just want access to some "Bible knowledge".

 

[scriptures]

So, can I go to the local Watchtower branch and get a personal copy of interlinear? You see, although computer copies are more accessible, it is still best to have a hard copy.

 

[timbo3]

So, can I go to the local Watchtower branch and get a personal copy of interlinear? You see, although computer copies are more accessible, it is still best to have a hard copy.

If one is available.

 

[scriptures]

If one is available.

I called the local branch here, and they said the KIT is no longer available. How long I do not know.

That move by the Gov body of JWs is so far inconsistent in promoting Bible education.

 

[Der Alte]

So, can I go to the local Watchtower branch and get a personal copy of interlinear? You see, although computer copies are more accessible, it is still best to have a hard copy.

Here is a link where you can D/L the KIT if you want to.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...oKi3Dg&usg=AFQjCNHi4CjO4YvqvSkF6hB59SSj3UHx2A

 

[Glorthac]

(I both have the 1969, 1985 KIT as well as the Diaglott, in a sense I am much better than most JWs because I am benefiting from a very scholarly publication.

You certainly are "much better" then they, after all, you have more books! I bet you do more than they do, right?

Tell me, do you like to go to streetcorners to pray? Do you like the good seats at church?